Anita Baker's Ten Greatest Moments

by Ken Simmons
Ken Simmons is a seasoned broadcast journalist with national visibility, who specializes in writing about rhythm and blues, and pop music.
Updated May 24, 2019

Born January 26, 1958 in Toledo, Ohio, Anita Baker dominated R&B music in the late 1980s and early 90s with her silky, jazzy vocals reminiscent of the legendary Sarah Vaughn. Her many accolades include eight Grammy Awards, seven Soul Train Music Awards, four American Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After releasing her debut solo album The Songstress in 1983, her career exploded with her 1986 album Rapture which was certified five times platinum. Baker continued her success with her 1988 triple platinum Giving You The Best That I Got album, her 1990 platinum Compositions album, and the double platinum Rhythm of Love in 1994.

Baker was also featured on Frank Sinatra's 1993 Duets along with Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Natalie Cole, Barbara Streisand, Julio Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Carly Simon, Bono from U2, Tony Bennett, and Liza Minelli.

Here is a list of ten highlights from Anita Baker's long career.

01
of 10

2010 - Soul Train Legend Award

Anita Baker at the 2010 Soul Train Awards at the Cobb Energy Center on November 10, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. Johnny Nunez/WireImage

On November 10, 2010, Anita Baker received the Legend Award at the Soul Train Awards presented at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

02
of 10

1995 - Two Soul Train Music Awards

Anita Baker at the Soul Train Music Awards on March 13, 1995 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. SGranitz/WireImage

Anita Baker won R&B/Soul Album of the Year, Female for Rhythm of Love, and Best R&B/Soul Single, Female for "Body and Soul," at the  Soul Train Music Awards presented on March 13, 1995 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.

03
of 10

1995 - American Music Award

Anita Baker at the American Music Awards on January 30, 1995 in Los Angeles, California. SGranitz/WireImage

On January 30, 1995, Anita Baker was honored for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California.

04
of 10

1994 - Hollywood Walk of Fame

Anita Baker and Patti LaBelle. Monica Morgan/WireImage

On October 3, 1994, Anita Baker was honored with the 2,037th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

05
of 10

1991 - Grammy Award for 'Compositions'

Anita Baker. Sean Gardner/Getty Images

At the 33rd annual Grammy Awards presented at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on February 20, 1991, Anita Baker won Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female for her album, Compositions.

06
of 10

1990 - Grammy Award for "Giving You The Best That I Got"

Anita Baker. Chris Graythen/Getty Images

On February 21, 1990, Anita Baker won her sixth Grammy Award, Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female for her album Giving You The Best That I Got, at the 32nd annual Grammy Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.

07
of 10

1989 - Three Soul Train Music Awards

Anita Baker and Mary J. Blige. Joe Scarnici/WireImage

At the Soul Train Music Awards on April 13, 1989 presented at the Shrine Auditorium in los Angeles, California, Anita Baker's "Giving You The Best That I Got" won Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Song of the Year, and Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Single, Female. The album Giving You The Best that I Got was also named Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Album of the Year, Female.

08
of 10

1989 - Two Grammy Awards

Anita Baker. Howard Denner/Photoshot/Getty Images

At the 31st Annual Grammy Awards held on February 22, 1989 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, Anita Baker won two honors for her single "Giving You The Best thatI Got,"-- Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, and Best Rhythm & Blues Song. "Giving You The Best That I Got" was also nominated for Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. 

09
of 10

1988 - Two American Music Awards

Anita Baker. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Anita Baker took home two trophies at the 15th Annual American Music Awards held on January 25, 1988 in Los Angeles, California. She was honored for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist, and her album Rapture won Favorite Soul/R&B Album.

10
of 10

1987 - Two Grammy Awards

Anita Baker. Brian Rasic/Getty Images

Anita Baker won her first two Grammy Awards on February 24, 1987 at the 29th annual Grammy Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. "Sweet Love" won Best Rhythm & Blues Song, and her second solo album, Rapture, was recognized for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female.